Insurance Blog

Safe Driving: Vehicle Safety Kits and Great Car Insurance in Calgary

At Bow Valley Insurance our experienced brokers work with Calgary residents and businesses to find the best coverage for your car insurance at excellent rates.

Safety and conscientiousness are the best ways to avoid ever having to make an insurance claim, but if an accident or mechanical failure does happen, it can take a while before help arrives. A vehicle safety kit with basic tools and emergency supplies on board can be a great assistance in such emergencies. At a minimum, a vehicle safety kit should carry basic emergency and first aid supplies.

Basic Vehicle Safety Kits

After an accident or vehicle breakdown, a basic vehicle safety kit can provide everything you need until help arrives. The following items should be kept in your vehicle at all times:

Flashlight

First aid kit

Ice scraper

Foldable shovel

Ground cover

Emergency blanket

Waterproof matches

Winter coat, hat and gloves

Water and basic survival food

Distress banner or help sign

Extra cash (small bills and change)

Flares, warning triangles, and an emergency vest

Sturdy boots or walking shoes in case you need to leave your vehicle to find help

Basic Vehicle Repair Kits

Always carry basic tools to perform simple tasks. The following should be carried in your vehicle at all times:

Pliers

Duct tape

Tire gauge

Utility knife

Fire extinguisher

Hand cleaner and rags

Portable compressor or foam tire sealant

Set of socket and open-ended wrenches

Large and small multi-tip screwdrivers

Spare fuses and light bulbs

Safety Kits for Travelling With Children

No one enjoys being stranded on the side of the road, especially with children, but having the right items packed away will help. In case of an emergency while travelling with children, your vehicle safety kit should include the following additional items:

Nourishment:

V-8 juice

Trail mix

Dried fruit

Hard candy

Energy bars

Applesauce/fruit cups

Whole wheat crackers

Almonds and sunflower seeds

Sport drinks (pre-made or mix)

Dried meats such as beef jerky

Cleanliness:

Disinfecting wipes

Tissues

Hand soap and sanitizer

Zip-top bags (various sizes)

Trash bags

Toothbrushes & toothpaste

Various sized band-aids in your first-aid kit

Extra diapers and wipes for infants and toddlers

Toilet paper roll (remove cardboard tubes and flatten to fit in small spaces)

Insurance Calgary: Safety Kits for Pets

When travelling with pets, please include the following items in your vehicle safety kit:

Pet food

Bowls

Emergency blanket

Rain ponchos can double as tents or tarps, and should be included in your vehicle safety kit when travelling with children or pets.